1
as in occultism
the power to control natural forces through supernatural means
… an alchemy that changed metals rarer than gold into elements more baneful than lead.—
James Gleick
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2
as in magic
the power to do something impressive in a way that seems mysterious or supernatural
They marveled at the digital alchemy that turns lines of computer code into a beautiful user interface.
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of alchemy
Once in a while a strange alchemy occurs when words spoken or sung, or actions taken, music played, reaches across the footlights and zaps and zings those who watch in awe.
—Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 20 June 2025
Narine’s soft presence affected the delicate alchemy in the room as secrets were shared, dreams and fears aired.
—Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 16 June 2025
The Timbs and the Myspace profiles and the ringtones and the Canal St. tapes blurred together in a perfect little bit of alchemy.
—Pitchfork, 6 June 2025
Simón and Garcia clearly found a special alchemy, though Marina remains hard to read, her emotions only able to break out via the memory or even words of her mother.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for alchemy
Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 20 June 2025
Narine’s soft presence affected the delicate alchemy in the room as secrets were shared, dreams and fears aired.
—Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 16 June 2025
The Timbs and the Myspace profiles and the ringtones and the Canal St. tapes blurred together in a perfect little bit of alchemy.
—Pitchfork, 6 June 2025
Simón and Garcia clearly found a special alchemy, though Marina remains hard to read, her emotions only able to break out via the memory or even words of her mother.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for alchemy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alchemy
Noun
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In modern pop culture, vampires have strayed away from occultism and are often depicted through a Christian lens, being repelled by crucifixes and sunlight.—
Dani Di Placido,
Forbes,
10 Jan. 2025
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Mysticism and occultism spread rapidly in the dying days of the Russian empire.—
Anne Applebaum,
The Atlantic,
7 Jan. 2025
Noun
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The show, which opened Wednesday at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre on the Broadway musical’s North American tour, exists to celebrate the rough magic of Neil Diamond’s catalog.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
11 July 2025
-
Sadly, there’s almost zero magic in Gunn’s Superman.—
Stephanie Zacharek,
Time,
11 July 2025
Noun
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Both ancient and modern pieces are curated into exhibits about sorcery, motherhood, or high-fashion gowns.—
Sophie Friedman,
AFAR Media,
17 Apr. 2025
-
His putting is and will always be capable of sorcery.—
Brendan Quinn,
New York Times,
14 May 2025
Noun
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But, social media has made witchcraft more popular and accessible.—
Meredith Wilshere,
People.com,
22 June 2025
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Fun fact: The real Mary Stuart’s parliament was the one that made witchcraft punishable by death and started the witch hunts in Scotland.—
Kathleen Walsh,
Vulture,
23 Feb. 2025
Noun
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The team never expected Paredes to match Bregman’s defensive wizardry, but what he’s done has exceeded most internal expectations.—
Chandler Rome,
New York Times,
18 June 2025
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But Zabala’s wizardry never overshadows deliciousness, a balance exemplified by the outstanding shiso tempura topped with beef tartare and covered in borage flowers.—
Jeremy Repanich,
Robb Report,
10 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Alchemy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alchemy. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.
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